trees to save it from being devoured by the wolves; after which, each
of us carrying a peccary on his back, we set out for the long tramp
home, I promising myself sorrowfully that never again would I go out
hog hunting without taking due precautions against being worsted.
[Illustration]
I shall spend no more time telling of the hunting which Gyp and I did,
even though I am strongly tempted to do so; for we often had rare
sport, both on the prairie and in the woods, in search of all kinds of
game.
And there was game in great abundance, if we cared to go sufficiently
far from home. One year after our arrival, however, there came to the
banks of the Trinity four other families who staked out land and thus
somewhat interfered with the freedom of our sport. It seemed to me,
then, that the country was becoming too thickly settled, for I had to
walk no more than five miles in order to reach the house of a man who
had been our neighbor in Bolivar County.
THE INCREASE IN MY FLOCK
In the spring of 1844, one year after our coming into the republic,
father decided to give me all his sheep as payment for the work I had
performed on the ranch. By this time our flock of seventy-two had
increased to a hundred and fourteen, and we had good reason to hope
that it would be doubled in numbers before another season had passed.
I then turned all my attention to herding sheep, driving them far out
over the prairie where the grass was richest. There, day after day, Gyp
and I remained, with no other covering than the sky above us, save when
we spent our idle time putting up a temporary shelter here or there
where we might be shielded from the too strong rays of the sun, or from
the blasts of the norther. All the while my flock throve famously.
It seemed to me fortunate, so far as my own enterprise was concerned,
that the new settlers on the banks of the Trinity had not brought with
them any sheep, for they did not expect to raise such animals, having
heard that the western part of the state was better adapted for the
purpose.
[Illustration]
Therefore I had no fear that the scab would come among my flock,
because we were not in that section where strange sheep were likely to
be driven from one point to another, and just so that I kept away from
where the cattle were grazing, I had the entire northern portion of
Texas for my own range, with no person to interfere.
UNREST OF THE INDIANS
We had heard rumors of an uprising among the Indians when we came
to Fort Towson, on our way from Bolivar County. Again, when the new
settlers arrived, they told us that the Comanches were in a state of
unrest. All this promised evil for us who were living so far from a
town or fortification.
We had still further reason to believe that some trouble might be
expected, when those two Mexicans stopped at our ranch with cartloads
of what were unquestionably rifles. Yet we gave little heed to the
news. It seemed to us that we were so far in the wilderness, beyond
reach of either redskins or whites, that we would not be molested,
whatever might take place, and all our efforts were bent toward
improving the ranch and increasing our herds and flocks.
So far as I was concerned, I thought only of the sheep. I could not
understand why the savages should come where we were, because we had
nothing to tempt them save our live stock.
We prospered exceedingly as time wore on, and lived contentedly,
hearing little or nothing from the outer world. It was as if we were
in a country by ourselves, for during the two years we had been on
the Trinity we had had no visitors, except the two Mexicans and those
settlers of whom I have spoken.
TEXAS JOINS THE UNION
Before coming into Texas to live we had heard it said that the citizens
of the republic were making efforts to be annexed to the United States;
but father had given little heed to such talk, believing that the
people of the States would hesitate lest difficulties with Mexico be
brought about.
We knew nothing of what was going on outside our ranch, and were not
counting on hearing important news. In the spring of 1845, while I
was rejoicing over the wondrous increase in my flock, and father was
priding himself upon the fact that his land was growing each day more
and more valuable, two mounted men drove up just at night-fall and
asked for food and shelter. As we had not had any visitors for nearly
two years, you cannot imagine how eager we were to grant their request,
and how earnestly we strove to make them welcome.
In so doing we were well repaid, for then we learned that the republic
of Texas had ceased to exist. The visitors told us we were living in
one of the states of the Union, for the act of annexation had been
signed by President John Tyler on the first day of March in the year
1845, and a convention had been held later at Austin to ratify the
resolution.
[Illustration]
I had brought with me from Bolivar County a small American flag, but
had not hoisted it because of being a citizen of the republic whose
ensign contained but a single star.
Within five minutes after learning that Texas was really a part of
the Union, I brought out the Stars and Stripes and fastened it to the
topmost branches of the largest pecan tree in the motte. Then I saluted
it with as many charges of powder as I could afford to spend, for you
must know that on the Trinity at that time powder and ball were not
only scarce but expensive.
[Illustration]
My store of ammunition was nearly exhausted by such a celebration; but
father promised that very soon we would drive some of the cattle and a
few of the sheep to Dallas, and there sell them to get sufficient money
to buy the supplies which we were needing.
These visitors of ours had come to spy out the land with an idea of
making a settlement near our ranch, and while it was pleasant to look
forward to having near neighbors, I was not pleased with the idea of
being forced to take my flocks farther afield in order to find fresh
pasturage, as must happen in case many people took up land in our
vicinity.
For mother's sake, however, I was pleased, because she was filled with
delight at the idea of having someone near with whom she could visit.
WAR WITH MEXICO
With the coming of strangers, and the building of new homes near us, we
began to hear more of what was being done in the outer world, and when
father and Zeba went down to Dallas to sell a few cattle and sheep,
they brought back the surprising news that the United States was at war
with Mexico.
[Illustration]
We were told that the younger men of Texas were volunteering as
soldiers, and that much blood might be shed.
By this time I was fifteen years old, and it seemed to me that it was
my duty to leave home, and to abandon my plans of getting rich through
sheep raising, in order to do what I could in defense of the state of
which I claimed to be a citizen.
[Illustration]
Father soon gave me to understand, however, that I was not yet old
enough to take up arms. He insisted that duty called me to remain where
I was, and that we were doing our duty by the state so long as we
remained on the ranch raising live stock, for if war was continued any
length of time, cattle and sheep would be required in order to supply
the army with food.
I therefore gave up all thoughts of enlisting. Perhaps I was the more
willing to do this because of the sorrow that I should feel if forced
to leave my flock, which now numbered nearly five hundred. But whenever
John or Zeba was at liberty to herd my flock, I frequently walked many
miles in order to learn what was going on in the war.
[Illustration]
SELLING WOOL
I was the one who brought to our ranch the news that the Mexicans
had bombarded Fort Brown, May 4, 1846, when Major Brown was killed;
also word from Dallas of the battle of Palo Alto. Then we heard from
Monterey, and but for the fact that I had three years' shearing of wool
to sell, I believe I might have enlisted despite all father could have
said.
It was necessary, however, that I sell this wool at a time when the
prices were high, and during the two months which followed the battle
of Monterey I spent all my time freighting the fleeces from the ranch
to Dallas, using one of the big wagons with eight mules, and taking
Zeba with me as assistant.
[Illustration]
When I had in my pocket the money which had been paid for the wool,
it seemed as if I might really call myself a ranchman. I was so proud
of my success that I almost lost sight of the fact that other young
fellows, most likely some of them no older than I, were putting on
the uniforms of enlisted men, and taking their places in the ranks to
defend the state in which were their homes.
Once we heard that the Comanches were on the warpath, and there were
times when it seemed certain we might be attacked at any moment. Then
father put Bar-O Ranch in a state of defense. He brought from Dallas a
good supply of weapons, and we fitted to the windows of our house heavy
shutters in which were loopholes.
PEACE ON THE TRINITY
But the Lord was good to us settlers on the Trinity; for He permitted
no blood-craving Indian to come our way. It seemed at times almost as
if it was a crime for us to prosper so wondrously well, while in other
parts of the state the settlers were struggling against the savages, or
standing in battle array before the Mexicans. Indeed, I was very nearly
ashamed because no harm came to us on the Trinity, because our worldly
goods were increasing day by day, and because Bar-O Ranch was rapidly
becoming one of the best in the state.
But for the fact that many others have told the story of how Texas won
her independence, how she flourished or decayed as a free republic
during ten years, and how she was finally annexed to the United States,
I would be glad to tell more of these things to you. They could not
fail to be entertaining as well as instructive, for they show how a
people with a true purpose before them overcame the many obstacles
which confronted them and finally made Texas what she is to-day, one of
the brightest stars in the blue field of Old Glory.
MY DREAM FULFILLED
I may not have done all I might toward the settlement of this grand
state, but the dream which was mine in Bolivar County has at last
been fulfilled. The flock which numbered twelve when I left the old
home has increased to more than five thousand, and my sale of wool
each year amounts to as much as that of any other ranchman within two
hundred miles of us. Furthermore, in addition to my sheep, I claim a
full interest with father in Bar-O Ranch, which is in itself no mean
property, and am duly thankful for all the good things of this life
which have come to me.
Yet there is in my heart at this moment, and ever will be, a keen
regret, that I entirely forgot one admonition from the Bible which has
in these past years stood out so boldly in my mind. How much better is
it to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is rather to be
chosen than silver.
It is true there were no opportunities for me when we first settled on
the banks of the Trinity, but if I had struggled half as hard to get
wisdom as I have struggled to hold my flocks prosperous, then I could
now look back with real pride upon what I have accomplished.
If I had done this, there would now be no happier person in this great
state than Philip of Texas.
* * * * *
BOOKS CONSULTED IN WRITING PHILIP OF TEXAS
BAKER, D. W. C.: A Texas Scrap Book. A. S. Barnes & Co.
BOLTON & BARKER: Makers of Texas. American Book Co.
BOND, OCTAVIA ZOLLICOFFER: Old Tales Retold. Smith & Lamar.
BRAMAN, D. E. E.: Information about Texas. J. B. Lippincott &
Co.
BROWN, JOHN HENRY: History of Texas. Daniell, St. Louis.
DEWEES, W. B.: Letter from an Early Settler of Texas.
Compiled by Cara Cardelle. Hull, 1854.
FOOT, HENRY STUART: Texas and the Texans. Thomas Cowperthwait
& Co.
GARRISON, GEORGE P.: Texas. Houghton, Mifflin and Company.
LUBBOCK, FRANCIS RICHARD: Six Decades in Texas. Gammel Book
Co.
MAILLARD, N. DORAN: The History of the Republic of Texas.
Smith, Elder & Co.
SANTLEBEN, AUGUST: A Texas Pioneer. Neale Publishing Co.
SMITH, ASHBEL: Reminiscences of the Texas Republic.
Historical Society of Galveston.
YOAKUM, HENDERSON: History of Texas. Redfield, New York.
* * * * *
JAMES OTIS'S COLONIAL SERIES
Calvert of Maryland
Mary of Plymouth
Peter of New Amsterdam
Richard of Jamestown
Ruth of Boston
Stephen of Philadelphia
Price, each, 35 cents. For grades 3-5
Don't you remember the "Toby Tyler" stories, which appeared some years
ago in "Harper's Young People"? And don't you remember how impatiently
boys and girls looked forward to the next issue merely because of
those tales? Stories like those mean something to children and make an
impression.
¶ Here are six new stories by the same author, James Otis, the first
he has ever written for schools. They are just as fascinating as his
earlier ones. They are stories and yet they are histories. Their
viewpoint is entirely original, the story of each settlement being
told by one of the children living in the colony. For this reason
only such incidents as a child might notice, or learn by hearsay,
are introduced--but all such incidents are, as far as possible,
historical facts and together they present a delightfully graphic and
comprehensive description of the daily life of the early colonists.
¶ The style in which the children tell the stories reads as charmingly
as that of a fairy tale, and abounds in quaint humor and in wholesome,
old-fashioned philosophy.
¶ Each book is profusely illustrated with pen and ink drawings that
not only add to its artistic attractiveness, but will be found a
genuine aid to the child's imagination in reproducing for him realistic
glimpses into a home-life of long ago.
¶ There is no better way for your pupils to learn about the beginning
of our country. The books are just as well suited to libraries and home
use. Write us about them.
AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY
* * * * *
HISTORICAL READERS
By H. A. GUERBER
Story of the Thirteen Colonies $0.65
Story of the Great Republic .65
Story of the English .65
Story of Old France .65
Story of Modern France .65
Story of the Chosen People .60
Story of the Greeks .60
Story of the Romans .60
Although these popular books are intended primarily for supplementary
reading, they will be found quite as valuable in adding life and
interest to the formal study of history. Beginning with the fifth
school year, they can be used with profit in any of the upper grammar
grades.
¶ In these volumes the history of some of the world's peoples has
taken the form of stories in which the principal events are centered
about the lives of great men of all times. Throughout the attempt has
been made to give in simple, forceful language an authentic account of
famous deeds, and to present a stirring and lifelike picture of life
and customs. Strictly military and political history have never been
emphasized.
¶ No pains have been spared to interest boys and girls, to impart
useful information, and to provide valuable lessons of patriotism,
truthfulness, courage, patience, honesty, and industry, which will make
them good men and women. Many incidents and anecdotes, not included in
larger works, are interspersed among the stories, because they are so
frequently used in art and literature that familiarity with them is
indispensable. The illustrations are unusually good.
¶ The author's Myths of Greece and Rome, Myths of Northern Lands, and
Legends of the Middle Ages, each, price $1.50, present a fascinating
account of those wonderful legends and tales of mythology which should
be known to everyone. Seventh and eighth year pupils will delight in
them.
AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY
* * * * *
JAMES OTIS'S PIONEER SERIES
=ANTOINE OF OREGON=: A STORY OF THE OREGON TRAIL.
=BENJAMIN OF OHIO=: A STORY OF THE SETTLEMENT OF
MARIETTA.
=HANNAH OF KENTUCKY=: A STORY OF THE WILDERNESS ROAD.
=MARTHA OF CALIFORNIA=: A STORY OF THE CALIFORNIA TRAIL.
=PHILIP OF TEXAS=: A STORY OF SHEEP RAISING IN TEXAS.
=SETH OF COLORADO=: A STORY OF THE SETTLEMENT OF DENVER.
* * * * *